By Rehan Ajuet Moun
South Sudan Civil Society Forum (SSCSF) has strongly condemned the intimidation and targeting of civil society leaders and journalists by security agents in the aftermath of recent peaceful protests in Bor, Jonglei State.
On June 17th and 24th, 2024, the civilians of Jonglei State took to the streets in peaceful protests led by diverse groups, including women, youth, and business people.
The demonstrations raise critical issues such as skyrocketing commodity prices, unpaid salaries for government employees, insecurity, and burdensome taxes on local businesses.
“These protests were a reflection of widespread and legitimate public discontent with the escalating cost of living, a challenge not only confined to Jonglei State but prevalent across the entire South Sudan,” SSCSF said in a stament.
However, instead of addressing the pressing concerns, the SSCSF stated that “efforts have been made to intimidate and silence those advocating for change.”
It said the Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society network was summoned by the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly on June 24th and interrogated regarding the protests, facing baseless accusations of subversion and destabilization of the government for his alleged involvement in the peaceful demonstrations.
Furthermore, the SSCSF reported that National Security agents arbitrarily shut down a member organization of the Civil Society Forum by placing a “closed until further notice” sign on their office door.
The SSCSF condemned the actions as a “flagrant violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in both international laws, specifically the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which guarantees freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and Article 25 of South Sudan’s transitional constitution.”
The forum emphasized that these rights are not mere privileges but the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
The SSCSF called on the authorities to immediately cease the intimidation and harassment of civil society leaders and journalists and to address the legitimate grievances raised by the protesters in Bor.
It stressed the importance of upholding the fundamental rights of the citizens and ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.